South Carolina WBB gets past Maryland in Birmingham, advances to Elite Eight
It’s time for South Carolina’s Sweet 16 game.
The No. 1 seeded Gamecocks are playing No. 4 Maryland on Friday in Birmingham. The State’s Michael Sauls and Chapel Fowler are on site providing live updates:
Final: South Carolina 71, Maryland 67
The Gamecocks get past Maryland in a thriller and advance to the Elite Eight. They will play Duke (the No. 2 seed in their region) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on ABC.
South Carolina trailed by as many as seven points and 60-59 with 3:25 remaining.
But clutch baskets from MiLaysia Fulwiley but the Gamecocks back in front and Raven Johnson got a key inbounds deflection to steal a possession, with USC already up 64-60 with 35 seconds to go. Chloe Kitts then added two free throws (66-60).
USC closed out the game from there.
USC with a slight edge
Maryland won’t go away. South Carolina leads 69-65 with 11.5 seconds to go.
USC went up six points (69-63) on Sania Feagin’s free throws after a Maryland turnover but the Terps get a quick layup on the other end.
Close one in Birmingham
Maryland leads South Carolina 58-57 with 4:22 remaining. This game has been big run after big run and key basket after key basket. Three ties; five lead changes.
End Q3: South Carolina 52, Maryland 50
What a game. USC outscored Maryland 21-17 in a fast-paced, high-flying third quarter that featured multiple big scoring runs. Guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is starting to take over and has a game-high 12 points in 15 minutes.
Maryland led by as many as seven points in that period before the Gamecocks used a 7-0 burst to move ahead. Worth noting: USC guard Tessa Johnson is up to four fouls.
Halftime: Maryland 33, South Carolina 31
The Terps did not lead during the first quarter but were up by as many as five points in the second quarter. It’s been a competitive game so far, and neither team is shooting particularly well (USC 32%, Maryland 36%).
Chloe Kitts (10 points) and MiLaysia Fulwiley (seven) continue to pace USC. The Gamecocks were called for 11 first-half fouls vs. five for Maryland.
Three USC players have two fouls (Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, Sania Feagin).
End Q1: South Carolina 17, Maryland 16
USC leads by a point after the first 10 minutes. Forward Chloe Kitts (10) and guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (7) are responsible for 100% of the Gamecocks’ points. Guard Te-Hina Paopao in early foul trouble and has been whistled for two already.
Maryland is playing zone defense, which has bothered the Gamecocks a bit. The Terps are also outpacing USC in points in the paint (12-10) and have been physical.
Starters for both teams
South Carolina:
G Te-Hina Paopao, G Bree Hall, G Raven Johnson, F Sania Feagin, F Chloe Kitts
Maryland:
G Shyanne Sellers, G Sarah Te-Biasu, G Kaylene Smikle, F Allie Kubek, F Christian Dalce
Next opponent set
One half of the Birmingham 2 regional championship game is set.
No. 2 Duke defeated No. 3 UNC, 47-38, in the first game of the day at Legacy Arena. With the win, the Blue Devils advance their first Elite Eight since 2013.
The Tar Heels started the game on an 11-0 run, but Duke outscored its rival 28-9 over the remainder of the first half. The Blue Devils led by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter and secured their first Elite Eight appearance under coach Kara Lawson.
Final betting line
South Carolina is favored by 17.5 points against Maryland, per ESPN BET.
ESPN analytics also give USC a 92.9% chance of winning.
South Carolina game today
- Who: No. 1 South Carolina (32-3) vs. No. 4 Maryland (25-7)
- Where: Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
- When: 5 p.m. ET Friday
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: 107.5 FM locally (see full list of affiliates here)
- Stream: Via watchespn.com or the ESPN app
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 4:22 PM.
